I work in communications and I love my job.
Although I’ve never been very athletic, when I turned 40, I decided it was time to take better care of myself and exercise. I started doing Pilates, running, and I discovered that it was more enjoyable when I did it with my dog, Bimba. That became a routine that was also beneficial for Bimba, who was slightly overweight.
Sylvie Durcudoy
Pet
BIMBA
Age: 10 years old
Sex: female
Breed: Beagle
Personality/how you would define her: Outgoing and sociable.
There are pet owners. And then there are aristopeters. For us, an aristopeter is someone...
...who doesn't just like animals. They love them.
...who doesn't just have a pet. They coexist with one.
...who doesn't just have a companion animal. They have a companion.
...who includes their pet in most of their perfect plans.
We believe you are a true aristopeter. Do you dare to give your own definition of an aristopeter? Or to give other examples that mark the difference between an "owner" and an aristopeter?
In my case, Bimba is almost my third child. In fact, when I scold one of them, I usually get the name wrong.
How long have you been living with Bimba? How did she come into your life? Why did you name her Bimba?
We went to Extremadura to get Bimba 10 years ago, when she was barely 2 months old. We bought her from a Beagle breeder who was passionate about the breed. The girls named her. They had been asking for a dog for years. My youngest daughter couldn't pronounce the "RRR" sound, so we challenged her: the day she could say "DOG," we would buy her one. And we kept our promise.
What is a day in Sylvie's life like? How does living with Bimba fit into your daily routine?
During the week, I don't have much time to walk with her; I usually leave early and get home late, but fortunately, she has a very large garden to run in. On weekends, she becomes my shadow. We run, we play, she stays by my side while I work in the garden, she sniffs all the bags when I come back from shopping, she sleeps at my feet if I sit in the living room...
How do you think Spain treats animals?
I know they are treated well, although I have heard horrifying stories of mistreatment in the countryside by hunters. I don't know if that's true or if it's a very minor phenomenon.
What does strike me is the disdain and, at times, the hatred of Spaniards towards cats. I don't know anyone who has a cat as a pet.
And in which country do you think animals live best?
Perhaps in France and England.
Does Bimba have a "friend group"? What do they share? Did you know the owners of her friends, or did you meet them after she "bonded" with other dogs?
She doesn't have friends, but she does have acquaintances with whom she exchanges "olfactory greetings" when we go running. And she has sworn enemies, of course, those who always bark behind the fence every time we run past. With some of them, she gets so nervous that she starts barking 20 meters before we even pass their house, even if they are silent.
How do you organize yourself when you travel? Do you try to take her with you whenever you can? What are those trips like for you?
Bimba is a very "rustic" dog; she's not used to traveling in the car. She gets car sick, moves around a lot, and leaves the seats covered in hair. Fortunately, we have someone at home who stays with her when we travel. The first year, we left her at a dog hotel during our summer vacation, but she suffered so much that we swore we would never leave her there again.
In your case, is it possible to "reconcile" your professional life with your life with Bimba? How do you organize yourself? What tips would you give to those who have to leave their pets every day to go to work?
Beagles are a breed that demands a lot of attention and needs regular physical exercise. I couldn't have had her living in an apartment and alone. We all keep her company so she's never alone. If you can't spend a lot of time with your pet or can't take them out often, I recommend choosing a very small dog.
What indulgence can you not deny Bimba?
The fat from the ham when I prepare breakfast toast. Don't let the vet hear me... Although I do give her light food afterward.
What is the most special moment you've had with her?
Finding her when she escapes is always a special moment.
A place to escape to with Bimba.
None, because she really does escape!
A look back at the pets in your life.
My first dog was named Sophie, and we were born almost at the same time. She lived for 15 years. My parents trained her so well that she accompanied us everywhere, even on vacation, to restaurants...
In college, I adopted a dog that a classmate wanted to abandon because it belonged to her boyfriend, and she couldn't stand him. When she told me he had confronted her with the typical "the dog or me" phrase, it broke my heart. The next day, she brought him to me, and it was love at first sight. The poor thing just wanted to play and be cared for. He was the smartest and funniest dog I ever had.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting a pet?
That it's like an adoption, a long-term commitment. You can't change your mind or keep them locked up alone at home all day.
Photography: Javier López Dóriga
Filmmaker: Iván Caballero
Location: HOTEL QUINTA DE LOS CEDROS | RUSTICAE
https://www.rusticae.es/hotel/hotel-quinta-de-los-cedros-10146